I'm excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 District 5650 Conference, taking place October 23-24 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our clubs, learn from fellow Rotarians, strengthen friendships, and be inspired by the impact Rotary is making throughout our district. Register early, as conference rates will increase on September 24. I hope you'll make plans to join us!
August is also Membership and New Club Development Month, a perfect time to reflect on one of Rotary's greatest strengths: belonging.
Throughout my club visits, I've spoken about the connection between Belonging and Impact. People often join Rotary because they are inspired by our service. They stay because they find friendships, purpose, and a place where they feel valued.
Membership is about more than adding names to a roster. It's about creating a club experience where every member feels welcomed, included, and connected. When people feel they belong, they become engaged. When they are engaged, our service grows. And when our service grows, so does our impact.
This month, I encourage every club to think about how we can strengthen that sense of belonging for both current and prospective members. A simple invitation, a warm welcome, or an opportunity to serve can change someone's Rotary journey and ultimately strengthen our organization.
Thank you for all you do to make Rotary a place where people belong and where together we create lasting impact.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Gretchen Bren
District Governor 2026-2027
Rotary District 5650
P.S. Nicki Klein is currently out of the office and has been since July 28. If you need help, please reach out to me instead! Nicki will not be back until the end of the month.